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Tucson park gets a makeover in honor of a 12-year old boy

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Posted 6:21 PM 7/28/2011 : A Tucson park gets a makeover in honor of a 12-year old boy

 TUCSON - A new addition to a Tucson park honors a 12 year old boy who was murdered almost three decades ago, and some local artists are keeping his memory alive with an artsy makeover.

The project is making it's mark on the corner of Pantano Parkway and Golflinks, where artists are welding, grinding, grouting, and painting.  All in the name of Michael Perry.

Pima College art teacher, Jason Butler is one of the artists involved in the project.

Butler said, "In the mid 80's Michael Perry was 12 years old and apparently played little league at this park. As I understand the story, he was at one of these tournaments, then I guess he was abducted with one of his friends, and ended up being killed."

Since the park sits in a area that's not very visible to the community, the Pima Association of Governments awarded a $25,000 grant to the Pima College Summer Youth Art Program. The hope is to draw attention to the park with some giant sculptures.

9 Pima College art students are helping out, and being paid for their efforts, Danielle Mims is one of them.

Mims said, It's like the first job I've ever had where I can get paid to do art work."

The students learn how to make art that will last a lifetime, and also help remember a life that was taken too soon.

The project started last month, and should be complete by mid-August.

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